A Cavan councillor has highlighted the need for "adequate leave" for support teachers and SNA's in Cavan-Monaghan who have experienced assault in the course of their work.
That's according to Aontú's councillor Sarah O'Reilly who says this is an issue which must be addressed by the Department of Education.
Cllr O'Reilly, who is a candidate for the Cavan-Monaghan constituency in the general election, says she has heard many "difficult stories" of these key educational support workers who have suffered as a result of being assaulted in work.
Cllr O'Reilly is calling on the Department to establish a "comprehensive support system" for educators who become victims of violence within the workplace, ensuring a "swift and empathetic response to their needs".
Speaking to Northern Sound, she also believes that the assault leave to support teachers/SNA's must be extended to cover the entire duration of their medically certified leave.
Cllr O'Reilly continued: "One particular worker that I've been made aware of has been out for around two years which is incredibly difficult for that person. The Dept has to establish a comprehensive support system for educators who become victims of violence within the workplace, ensuring a swift and empathetic response to their needs."
"It is vital that appropriate measures be put in place to protect these workers, including the provision of financial assistance that is granted immediately after an assault to cover expenses incurred like medical bills, therapy sessions and medication. Also, the assault leave to support teachers/SNA's must be extended to cover the entire duration of their medically certified leave. It is currently just three to six months and that is definitely not long enough."
